**Putin Refuses to Extend Easter Ceasefire, Kremlin Says**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to extend the temporary ceasefire, also known as the “Easter truce,” beyond midnight on April 21. This was announced by Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in a statement to the Russian state news agency TASS.
The ceasefire had gone into effect at 6 p.m. Moscow time on April 19 and was set to expire on April 21. However, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine had urged Russia to extend the truce beyond Easter and agree to a 30-day ceasefire as a preliminary step in peace negotiations.
In a statement, Peskov said that there were no plans to extend the ceasefire beyond its stated expiration point. “There were no other orders,” he said when asked about the possibility of an extension.
**Ukraine Disappointed with Putin’s Decision**
President Zelensky had responded to Putin’s announcement on April 19 by urging Russia to extend the truce and agree to a 30-day ceasefire. He had stated that this would show Russia’s true intentions and give peace a chance.
However, it seems that Putin has refused to take up this offer. The decision is likely to be met with disappointment in Ukraine, which has been calling for an unconditional ceasefire in the wake of the Easter truce declaration.
**European Leaders Call on Putin to Accept Ceasefire**
Multiple European leaders have called on Putin to accept an unconditional ceasefire. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky compared Putin’s actions to “going on a hunger strike between breakfast and lunch, and secretly eating candy.”
Other European leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have also called on Putin to accept a full ceasefire.
**Ukraine Reports Increase in Russian Shelling**
Despite the temporary ceasefire, Ukraine has reported an increase in Russian shelling and the use of kamikaze drones since 10 a.m. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have observed an increase in Russian attacks, with the use of FPV drones reportedly doubling.
The situation on the ground is likely to remain tense, with both sides refusing to back down. The question remains whether Putin will ultimately accept a full ceasefire and engage in meaningful peace negotiations with Ukraine.
**Ukraine’s Resilience and Humanitarian Efforts**
President Zelensky has praised Ukraine’s resilience and humanitarian efforts in his Easter address on April 20. He noted that the country’s faith has not faded over 1,152 days of full-scale war.
The ceremony took place at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and was led by Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. However, President Zelensky also highlighted the suffering of Ukraine’s religious leaders, with at least 67 priests, pastors, and monks having been killed or tortured by Russian forces.
The president emphasized that Ukraine has committed to a full ceasefire and urged Russia to do the same.
**What’s Next?**
As the situation on the ground continues to be tense, it remains to be seen what will happen next. Will Putin accept a full ceasefire, or will he continue to push for extraordinary concessions from Ukraine?
The international community is watching with bated breath as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine drags on. One thing is clear: Ukraine’s resilience and determination will not falter, even in the face of continued aggression from Russia.
**Commentary**
Putin’s refusal to extend the Easter ceasefire beyond its stated expiration point is a worrying sign for peace negotiations. The temporary truce had provided some hope that both sides might be willing to engage in meaningful talks.
However, it now seems that Putin is unwilling to take this step. This could have significant implications for the conflict on the ground and the prospects for peace in the region.
As European leaders continue to call on Putin to accept a full ceasefire, it remains to be seen whether he will eventually give in to pressure. The clock is ticking, and Ukraine’s people are watching with bated breath as they wait for their government to secure a lasting peace.
